Baseball Time in Arlington: Hamilton’s Ninth Inning Blast Saves Rangers

Roy Hobbs? Pfft. Texas would have to reach the playoffs first…

But after a lengthy nine-pitch battle with Putz, Kinsler smashed a line drive single back through the box to lead off the inning. Young whiffed on three pitches, setting the stage for Hamilton - the man whose singular talent, unique life story and limitless potential has already elevated him to cult hero status in Rangers fandom.

Putz’s first pitch to Hamilton? A 93 MPH fastball according to MLB Gameday’s Pitch f/x data, though Josh himself sheepishly admitted during a brief post-game interview with broadcasters Josh Lewin and Tom Grieve that he had “no idea” what type of pitch it was that Putz unleashed towards home plate.

Not that it mattered, mind you. Hamilton socked the first pitch he saw from Putz beyond the right field wall at Safeco Field for a dramatic two-run blast, staking Texas to a 5-4 lead that Rangers closer C.J. Wilson would mercifully not relinquish again.